Photographs

"Photographs and memories
Christmas cards you sent to me
All that I have are these
To remember you"
-Jim Croche Photographs and Memories

Thumb tack bitten and dog-eared
center-creased and partly discolored,
your smile still shows bright red,
young and beautiful you appeared.

Old pictures transferred to new wallet,
I seem to be able to renew everything,
like mother earth's rebirth in the spring.
Still your memory makes my heart fret.

I am left with photographs and memories
of when you and I loved and lived as one.
Are you sorry for leaving my life undone?
I am left lifeboat-less upon tears' seas.

I carefully tuck these memories away,
though sadness is barely kept at bay.

"Photographs and memories
All the love you gave to me
Somehow it just can't be true
That's all I have left of you"
-Jim Croche Photographs and Memories